Hurtigruten Reveals New Hybrid Ships and 2019/2020 Polar Adventures

Get ready to explore the most remote and spectacular areas of the planet – and take a sneak peek at the world’s first battery powered hybrid expedition cruise ships and their new itineraries.

Named after two of the greatest heroes in Polar history, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, Hurtigruten’s new hybrid powered expedition ships, will combine state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destination expertise. The result: The next generation of adventure travel.

A Stateroom Arctic Superior Balcony Cabin

“With the great explorers deeply rooted in our history and heritage, Hurtigruten aims to be one step ahead when exploring the world. Our new ships will be moving boundaries for the technology, for the industry and for our guests,” says Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen:

Currently under construction at Kleven Yard in Norway, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen will debut in 2018 and 2019 – and has been branded as the world’s greenest, safest and most advanced expedition ships.

One of the most eye-catching exterior design features of the ships will be the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck wrapped around the top of the ships’ raked bow. In a vast area behind it, you’ll find the core of the onboard experience: Amundsen Science Centre / Nansen Science Centre.

Packed with state of the art technology and high tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment, the immersive area will be the place guests and staff/crew meet, mingle and create a deeper understanding for the areas they explore. The flexible venue will feature lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more. The area, featuring large windows, will also be the onboard HQ for Hurtigruten’s handpicked Expedition Team.

FridtjofNansen Nansen Science Center

In addition to vast in- and outdoor Observation Decks, guests can enjoy the scenery and drinks through the large panoramic windows on the forward-facing Explorer Lounge on deck 10.

The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor Jacuzzis with spectacular views.

Both ships will feature three restaurants inspired by Nordic and Norwegian heritage:

Aune Main Dining – named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune

Fredheim – the ships’ informal and social meeting place – named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard

Lindstrøm – a speciality restaurant named after Adolf Lindstrøm, the favourite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes

Both MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a vast variety of custom built expedition equipment, including a fleet of Blueye underwater drones, kayaks and large inflatable Explorer Boats used for landings in otherwise inaccessible destinations.

After completing the daily adventures, guests can rejuvenate in the Wellness area, a panoramic sauna, a gym, or the pool deck featuring an infinity pool, jacuzzis and a pool bar.

The Lindstrom Specialty Restaurant

2019/2020 Voyages:

Hurtigruten, the world leader in exploration travel, has published the first voyages of the 2019/2020 season, revealing the most extensive Arctic and Antarctica program in the company’s 125-year history. Highlights include:

The first Antarctica voyages on board the MS Fridtjof Nansen. With three ships operating out of South America for the full 2019/2020 season, Hurtigruten offers more options and departures than ever before. The Antarctica adventures on MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Fram ranges from 11 to 21 days.

Several Hurtigruten expedition ships – among them MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen and MS Nordstjernen – operating 4 to 14 day Arctic voyages out of Longyearbyen.

Selected Greenland expedition voyages on MS Fram.

“Hurtigruten’s growing fleet of custom built expedition ships takes our guests to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. From the majestic wildlife on Svalbard, the rugged fjords of Eastern Greenland and the beauty of the Norwegian coast to the untouched wilderness of Antarctica. Nowhere else comes close,” Skjeldam says.